Vanessa Bryant posts statement on deaths of Kobe, Gianna

Vanessa Bryant shares heartbreaking post about the deaths of Kobe and Gianna

Bryant said there aren't enough words to describe the pain that she and the families who lost their loved ones in the helicopter crash are feeling.

LOS ANGELES - Vanessa Bryant used her Instagram account Wednesday afternoon to "thank the millions of people who've shown support and love during this horrific time."

It was the first public statement she's made since the deaths of her husband Kobe and daughter Gianna.

"Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them," Bryant wrote. "We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri."

Kobe Bryant and Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash while flying to a basketball game Sunday morning.